Regular Exercise, One More Reason to Take the Stairs

Regular exercise can = long-term health & well-being

By: Dr. Helise Bichefsky

Most of us know that regular exercise and physical activity are extremely important and beneficial for long-term health and well-being. Exercise not only helps maintain healthy bones, joints and muscles, it can even go as far as to help control anxiety and depression, as well as maintain or prevent high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even some cancers.

Interesting information recently shared by the American Medical Association (AMA) now gives us yet one more good reason to exercise. The CNN (11/1, Gardner) “The Chart” blog reported, “Working out regularly helps ward off colds and flu,” according to a study published online Nov. 1 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

HealthDay (11/1, Reinberg) reported that after collecting “data on 1,002 men and women from ages 18 to 85,” study authors found that “people who were physically fit and who engaged in exercise five or more days per week were about half as likely to suffer cold symptoms compared to participants who reported less physical activity,” WebMD (11/1, Hendrick) reported. “What is more, researchers say the severity of symptoms fell by 41% among those who felt fittest and by 31% among the most physically active.”

As we enter into the prime season for colds and flu, adding a bit of exercise to your daily routine just might give you that little boost of immunity you need to stave off nasty cold or flu symptoms. It convinced me to take the stairs instead of the elevator to my office every day. As always, be sure to check with your physician before you start any new exercise routines– and find out if the flu vaccine is a good option for you!